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Advisory 2021-004: Active exploitation of ForgeRock Access Manager / OpenAM servers   Advisory

Jul 9, 2021 - The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD's ACSC) has identified targeting and compromise of Australian organisations with vulnerable internet-accessible servers running ForgeRock Access Manager (ForgeRock AM). ForgeRock AM was previously known as OpenAM. The ASD's ACSC has observed malicious actors exploiting the vulnerability in ForgeRock AM/OpenAM to gain initial access to networks in multiple organisations, and facilitate further access within these networks. On 7 July 2021 the ASD's ACSC alerted organisations that this vulnerability was being actively exploited. This ASD's ACSC advisory provides recommendations for securing ForgeRock AM against vulnerability CVE-2021-35464, and advice on identifying potential successful exploitation of this vulnerability.

New ASD’s ACSC guidance released to help Australians avoid risks related to social media and messaging applications   News

Jul 14, 2022 - The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) has today released updated guidance to help all Australians better understand how social media and messaging apps can pose a risk to the security and privacy of individuals and organisations.

Hardening Microsoft 365, Office 2021, Office 2019 and Office 2016   Publication

Jul 24, 2023 - Workstations are often targeted by malicious actors using malicious websites, emails or removable media in an attempt to extract sensitive information. Hardening applications on workstations is an important part of reducing this risk.

High Severity Vulnerability present in Microsoft Outlook for Windows   Alert

Mar 29, 2023 - The Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) is aware of a Microsoft Outlook for Windows vulnerability. All Australian organisations using all versions of Microsoft Outlook for Windows should apply the available patch immediately.

2021 Trends Show Increased Globalized Threat of Ransomware   Advisory

Feb 10, 2022 - This joint Cybersecurity Advisory—authored by cybersecurity authorities in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom—provides observed behaviors and trends as well as mitigation recommendations to help network defenders reduce their risk of compromise by ransomware.

Bring Your Own Device for executives   Publication

Oct 6, 2021 - Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scenarios enable organisations to take advantage of new technologies faster. It also has the potential to reduce hardware costs and improve organisational productivity and flexibility. However, BYOD also introduces new risks to an organisation’s business and the security of its information, which need to be carefully considered before implementation.

Cloud computing security for executives   Publication

Jan 18, 2024 - This publication is designed to provide executives from organisations looking to utilise cloud computing services an overview of the components that make up ‘cloud’ and help understand the security risks to be considered when using cloud computing.

Gateway security guidance package: Executive guidance   Publication

Jul 29, 2022 - The purpose of this guidance is to inform decision-makers at the executive level of their responsibilities, the appropriate considerations needed to make informed risk-based decisions, and to meet policy obligations when leading the design or consumption of their organisation’s gateway services.

Implementing multi-factor authentication   Publication

Nov 27, 2023 - This publication has been developed to provide guidance on what multi-factor authentication is, different multi-factor authentication methods that exist and why some multi-factor authentication methods are more secure, and therefore more effective, than others.

Choosing secure and verifiable technologies: Executive guidance   Publication

Dec 5, 2024 - This guide supports senior leaders to enable their organisations to understand their threat environment and make better-informed assessments and decisions to procure secure technologies.

2021-007: Log4j vulnerability – advice and mitigations   Advisory

Dec 29, 2021 - On 10 December 2021, ASD's ACSC released an alert relating to a serious vulnerability in versions of the Log4j Java logging library. Malicious cyber actors are using this vulnerability to target and compromise systems globally and in Australia. The ASD's ACSC is working with a significant number of victims and affected vendors across all sectors of the economy.

Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus & Desktop Central remote code execution vulnerabilities   Alert

Dec 8, 2021 - Vulnerabilities have been identified in certain versions of Zoho ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus and Desktop Central product suites. Australian organisations using vulnerable Zoho ManageEngine products should apply the available patch.

Recognise and report scams  

Feb 1, 2023 - Scams are a common way that cybercriminals compromise accounts. Being alert to scam messages is a great way to protect yourself online.

Strategies to mitigate cybersecurity incidents: Mitigation details   Publication

Feb 1, 2017 - The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) has developed prioritised mitigation strategies to help cybersecurity professionals in all organisations mitigate cybersecurity incidents caused by various cyberthreats. This guidance addresses targeted cyber intrusions (i.e. those executed by advanced persistent threats such as foreign intelligence services), ransomware and external adversaries with destructive intent, malicious insiders, ‘business email compromise’, and industrial control systems.

Guidelines for cryptography   Advice

Mar 18, 2025 - This chapter of the Information security manual (ISM) provides guidance on cryptography.

Gateway security guidance package: Gateway operations and management   Publication

Jul 29, 2022 - This guidance is one part of a package of documents that forms the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD)’s Gateway security guidance package written for audiences responsible for the operation and management of gateways.

Remote code execution vulnerability present in Samba versions prior to 4.13.17   Alert

Feb 4, 2022 - A vulnerability (CVE-2021-44142) has been identified in Samba versions prior to 4.13.17. Exploitation of this vulnerability could allow a malicious cyber actor to perform privileged remote code execution. Affected Australian organisations should apply the available patch, including affected software vendors.

Remote code execution vulnerability present in Fortinet devices   Alert

Oct 13, 2022 - A vulnerability (CVE-2022-40684) has been identified in several Fortinet products running certain versions from 7.0.0 onwards, that could allow a malicious cyber actor to bypass authentication and perform unauthorised actions. Affected Australian organisations should apply the available patch and follow Fortinet’s mitigation advice.

Malware targeting Centreon software   Alert

Feb 16, 2021 - ANSSI identifies campaign targeting Centreon system monitoring software.

Principles of operational technology cybersecurity   Publication

Oct 2, 2024 - Critical infrastructure organisations provide vital services, including supplying clean water, energy, and transportation, to the public. These organisations rely on operational technology (OT) to control and manage the physical equipment and processes that provide these critical services. As such, the continuity of vital services relies on critical infrastructure organisations ensuring the cybersecurity and safety of their OT.

Remote code execution vulnerability present in certain versions of Palo Alto firewalls utilising the GlobalProtect VPN component   Alert

Nov 11, 2021 - A vulnerability has been identified in certain versions of Palo Alto firewalls utilising the GlobalProtect VPN component. Affected Australian organisations should apply the available update as soon as possible.

Security considerations for edge devices   Publication

Feb 5, 2025 - Edge devices are an important part of many enterprise computing systems. They allow connection across various devices that aid in productivity. However, just like with all technology they are not without their vulnerabilities. Edge devices require attention and diligence to keep data safe and secure.

Ivanti Sentry Authentication Bypass Vulnerability   Alert

Aug 22, 2023 - An authentication bypass vulnerability (CVE-2023-38035) has been identified that allows unauthorised access to sensitive APIs which can be used to set configuration parameters on the administrator portal (MICS).

Foundations for modern defensible architecture   Publication

Feb 10, 2025 - The Foundations represent the first step to help organisations adopt a ‘modern defensible architecture’ approach, which will enable them to evolve alongside the threat landscape.

Antivirus software   Guidance

Apr 11, 2023 - The consequences of viruses, spyware and other malicious software can be serious and far reaching. Follow our guidance about using antivirus software.

Secure your user account   Guidance

Jan 24, 2024 - A user account is the account you use to sign in on your computer at home, school or work. Cybercriminals will target unsecure accounts and take advantage of poor security habits within the home and businesses. Their goal is to get access to your computer and steal your information. There are many ways to improve your account security, keep your accounts safe and avoid being the victim of a cyberattack.

Cybercrime - getting help   Guidance

Apr 11, 2023 - If something has knocked you offline, check out the following information to help you get back up and running!

SVR cyber actors adapt tactics for initial cloud access   Advisory

Feb 27, 2024 - How SVR-attributed actors are adapting to the move of government and corporations to cloud infrastructure.

Multiple key vulnerabilities identified in Microsoft products   Alert

Oct 13, 2021 - Multiple key vulnerabilities were identified in Microsoft’s 12 October 2021 patch release. While all vulnerabilities addressed in this release are important to mitigate the Australian Signals Directorate’s Australian Cyber Security Centre (ASD’s ACSC) wishes to highlight several vulnerabilities for priority consideration.

Remote access to operational technology environments   Publication

Mar 28, 2023 - Many critical infrastructure providers are moving to support remote working arrangements. In doing so, modifying cybersecurity defences for operational technology environments (OTE) is not a decision that should be taken lightly.